Former Allegan Co. Choir Director Facing New Sex Crime Charges

Former Allegan Co. Choir Director Facing New Sex Crime Charges

ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. (Feb. 27, 2014)- Nathan Lavoie, a former choir director at St. Therese Church in Wayland, is being charged again with criminal sexual conduct.

This is the third time the 32-year-old has been arrested since December 2013. The most recent arrest stems from an incident police say happened in the summer of 2008 with a then 12-year-old girl.

Police said they found out about the encounter after discovering text messages of a sexual nature on Lavoie’s cell phone. Police interviewed the girl who says the incident happened after Lavoie gave her a ride home from choir practice.

The girl tells investigators the pair went inside her house and she started playing video games. That’s when Lavoie joined in and offered to play strip Mario Kart with her. Investigators say that’s when things got out of hand.

Court records show Lavoie exposed and fondled himself but the girl never touched him. The girl tells police that Lavoie also kissed and touched her bare breasts before she told him to stop because her parents were coming home soon.

If convicted, Lavoie could face up to 20 years in prison and be fined up to $100,000.

The Diocese of Kalamazoo released a statement regarding the new charges:

We are deeply saddened by the new information regarding events connected to Mr. Nathan LaVoie, a former employee of one of our parishes. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. We encourage anyone with additional information on this matter to contact civil authorities. The Diocese of Kalamazoo remains absolutely committed to the protection and safety of all children and young people entrusted to our care as well as to the spiritual and emotional well-being of the survivors of abuse and their families.

Police believe there are more victims out there. If you have any information, you’re being asked to call the Wayland Post of the Michigan State Police at 1-269-792-2213.